Our Community Eats (OCE) is honored to announce that we have been awarded a $5,000 micro-grant from the Colorado Grain Chain, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating a vibrant, community-centered grain economy in Colorado.
This generous grant will allow OCE to purchase organic grains grown right here in Colorado for our food pantry program, The Giving Grain.
With this support, our team of bakers will begin baking fresh, nutritious bread using some of Colorado’s finest organic grains — grains that are not only rich in nutrients, but also deeply rooted in local agriculture and heritage.
The Colorado Grain Chain is committed to shortening the distance between grain producers and consumers, thereby strengthening our local economy, promoting sustainability, and empowering small farmers and businesses. Its mission includes healing the soil through regenerative practices, celebrating ancient and locally adapted grains, and advocating for foods that offer superior nutrition and flavor.
Thanks to this micro-grant, OCE will be sourcing grains directly from farmers in the San Luis Valley, Mancos and the eastern plains of Colorado.
The varieties we will be using include:
• Organic hard red spring/winter wheat.
• Organic spelt.
• Organic Ryman rye.
• Organic white Sonora wheat.
• Organic Turkey red heirloom wheat.
Additionally, we are excited to offer organic quinoa from the San Luis Valley through our pantry.
This gift from the Colorado Grain Chain will allow us to share wholesome, nutrient-rich breads with individuals and families in Archuleta County and surrounding areas, many of whom are struggling to access fresh, quality bread. There’s something uniquely comforting about a warm slice of bread, whether served with soup or made into a sandwich, and we are thrilled to be bringing that comfort to our community.
We are so grateful for the Colorado Grain Chain’s support and excited to launch our bread-baking program.
To learn more about OCE or support our mission, please visit ourcommunityeats.com.
